Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
A workshop brought together policymakers, TVET leaders, researchers, regional representatives, and development partners to validate findings aimed at guiding policies, capacity development, and investments for strengthening digital skills in Ethiopia's Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system. The event was part of the Better Education for Africa's Rise (BEAR III) Project and UNESCO's support for Ethiopia's digital transformation agenda.
The assessments presented during the two-day workshop analyzed the digital competencies of TVET teachers and trainees, identified capacity gaps, and offered recommendations for enhancing digital teaching, learning, institutional leadership, and workforce readiness to meet evolving labor market needs. These evidence-based insights aim to bridge the gap between current capabilities and future skills requirements.
Dr. Abdoulaye Salifou, Chief of the Education Sector at the UNESCO Liaison Office in Addis Ababa, stated that digital transformation is reshaping economies and employment skills. He emphasized that investing in digital skills in Ethiopia, with its large youth population, is a national development priority. Dr. Habtamu Mulugeta, Deputy Director General of the Federal TVET Institute, noted that the assessments provide a critical basis for implementing Ethiopia's Digital Ethiopia Strategy to align TVET programs with emerging technologies.
Researchers from the Federal TVET Institute shared findings with 37 experts from the Ministry of Labor and Skills, Regional TVET Bureaus, TVET colleges, and development partners. Through technical presentations, discussions, and plenary sessions, participants reviewed and strengthened reports and recommendations to improve Ethiopia's TVET digital skills framework.
Key areas for advancing digital skills in Ethiopia's TVET system included enhancing practical skills application, updating institutional leadership approaches, and improving workforce readiness to meet changing labor market needs.